Emmett Knee is a third-year strategic communication and Spanish student and the most recent recipient of the Love and Honor Story Project. His nominator was quick to point out how he is known for “...lending a hand in furthering the goals of others.”

As a first-year student, Knee was eager to get involved and take on a leadership position in his a cappella group, just duet. When he was elected president, he learned that leadership is about more than making decisions on behalf of a group.

Knee’s transition into leadership did not come without challenges. He became president right when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “My main goal was to make sure the decision-making process was open to everyone [in just duet]," Knee said during his interview.

Knee played a huge role in the transformation of just duet, making the group an award-winning a cappella club. He said that recording and releasing a studio album during the pandemic for just duet was his greatest success. But it could not have been done without the talents and skills of peers with whom he worked. Knee’s nominator attributes his success to his ability to ‘tap into others’ strengths’ and deeply understand and care for others.

Knee is proud that he has embraced ‘the spirit, academic rigor, opportunities, and challenges of a Miami experience’ as stated in the Code of Love and Honor. He was quick to get involved as a new student, joining student organizations and obtaining a part-time job. He emphasized the importance of saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that come your way. “Don’t limit yourself based on what you think you need to be doing to set yourself up for success.”

Knee hopes he has been an example of what it takes to be an organized and thoughtful leader for current and future Miami University students. As he prepares for his last year at Miami, Knee's goal in Alpha Kappa Phi is to support those transitioning into leadership. He will shift from director to general body member in effort to subtly support and help in the sustainment of the fraternity.

In his ability to demonstrate leadership through discipline, hard work, and genuine care for others, Emmett Knee embodies the Code of Love and Honor.

The Love and Honor Story Project is a platform for students to recognize and honor students enacting the values articulated in the Code of Love and Honor. If you know someone who exemplifies the Code of Love and Honor through their extraordinary care for their community, nominate them to be recognized!

To nominate someone, visit the Office of the Dean of Students' website and complete a brief nomination form.